Today is a holiday in Brazil

Sister Alvear · #1 04-21-2009, 11:51 AM

Today is a national holiday called Tiradentes.

He fought for independence of Brazil...

Everything is closed today. So we all have a rest day!

seguidordejesus · #2 04-21-2009, 03:20 PM

Does "Tiradentes" mean "pull your teeth out"? LOL

Kind of like the town in south Texas called "Matagorda"! HAHA

Sister Alvear · #3 04-21-2009, 03:23 PM

yes, it does!

Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes (August 16, 1746–-April 21, 1792), was a leading member of the Brazilian revolutionary movement known as the Inconfidência Mineira whose aim was full independence from the Portuguese colonial power and to create a Brazilian republic. When the plan was discovered, Tiradentes was arrested, tried and publicly hanged. Since the 19th century he has been considered a national hero of Brazil.

Sister Alvear · #4 04-21-2009, 03:24 PM

Born to a poor family in São José del Rey (now called Tiradentes), Minas Gerais, near to São João del Rey, Tiradentes was adopted by his godfather and moved to Vila Rica (now Ouro Preto) after the deaths of his parents (mother in 1755; father in 1757).

Tiradentes was raised by a tutor, who was a surgeon. His lack of formal education didn't stop him from working in several fields, including dental medicine; Tiradentes means "tooth puller", a pejorative denomination adopted during the trial against him. He practiced several professions — cattle driver, miner, dentist — and was a member of the Regimento dos Dragões de Minas Gerais militia. As Tiradentes was not a member of the local aristocracy, he was systematically overlooked for promotion and never rose above the rank of alferes (2nd lieutenant). (wikipedia)

commonsense · #5 04-21-2009, 07:41 PM

Holidays are always nice. Enjoy.....

Hope you're actually resting!